HomeMy Public PortalAboutLetter Regarding Changes in the Seasonal Meter Program
165 COMMERCE PARK ROAD BREWSTER, MA 02631 PHONE: 508-896-5454 FAX: 508-896-4517
TOWN OF BREWSTER
WATER DEPARTMENT
Paul Anderson
Superintendent
Doug Wilcock
Susan Brown
Cynthia Baran
Board of Water Commissioners
February 5, 2018
Dear Seasonal Customer:
You are receiving this notice because you have a property in Brewster that is part of our seasonal program. The seasonal
program allows home and business owners to have the water turned off and on annually in the fall and spring when the
property is not in use. Please make note of the significant changes we have to make to the service provided in the future.
During our annual review of our coverages with our insurer, liability concerns were raised by them about the program.
They informed us that the Town has not had nor will they cover the Town for this service. Therefore, we can no longer
keep keys for access to properties as we have in the past. If we currently have a key to your property you may pick it up
at our office anytime during working hours Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:00pm. We will hold onto the keys
until March 30th, 2018 and after that date all keys will be disposed of. None of the keys in our possession have markings
that specify the location.
We will no longer be able to use keys we possess, key pads, lock boxes, keys hidden at the property and we will not be
able to enter unlocked properties. In order to implement this change in our program we will no longer be able to offer
our “automatic” service that turns water on and off by set dates every year because we will no longer have access.
The new policy will require the home/business owner to call the water department office and request water be turned on
or off a week in advance. The owner or their designee will have to be present so water department personnel can
disconnect or reconnect the meter, drain both the meter and service line or flush it, and confirm the water is off or on.
I recognize this will not be as convenient for residents as it has been in the past. My staff and I will work with you to
minimize the impact while you adjust to the changes in the program. Please let us know if you would like us to release
your key to a local plumber or designee who will be able to meet us at the property going forward. I am coordinating a
meeting with local plumbers to inform them of the changes so they too are prepared and can schedule accordingly.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Paul Anderson
Paul Anderson
Superintendent